Slice Downtown Atlanta: A Local Guide to This International-Influenced Pizza Spot

If you spend any time near Downtown Atlanta, chances are you’ve heard of Slice Downtown. While it’s best known as a casual pizza joint, it fits naturally into Atlanta’s international cuisine scene thanks to New York–style slices, globally inspired toppings, and a location that attracts people from all over the world.

This guide walks you through what to expect at Slice Downtown, how it fits into Atlanta’s food culture, and how to decide if it’s the right stop for your lunch break, game-day meal, or pre-concert bite.

Where Slice Downtown Fits into Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta’s restaurant landscape combines classic Southern favorites with food traditions from around the world. Within that, Downtown tends to lean practical and walkable: office workers, convention visitors, students, and event crowds all needing fast, filling meals.

Slice Downtown fits that niche by offering:

  • New York–style pizza with international twists
  • A casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere
  • A location that’s easy to reach from major hotels, offices, and attractions

You’re likely to see a mix of locals, people in town for conferences at the Georgia World Congress Center, and visitors headed to or from State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Location, Access, and Nearby Landmarks

Slice Downtown is located in the heart of Atlanta’s central business district, convenient if you live or work in the city or are staying at a Downtown hotel.

Typical address used for Slice Downtown:
Slice Downtown
85 Poplar St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303

📍 Nearby landmarks and walk times (approximate):

  • Georgia State University Downtown Campus – often within a 10–15 minute walk depending on your starting point
  • State Farm Arena – about a 10–15 minute walk
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium – roughly 15–20 minutes on foot
  • Centennial Olympic Park – usually under 10 minutes walking
  • MARTA Peachtree Center Station – a short walk for many commuters

If you’re driving, Downtown streets can be one-way and busy during rush hours or events, so allow extra time. Paid parking in nearby garages or surface lots is common; rates and availability vary by time of day and event schedule.

What Type of Cuisine Does Slice Downtown Offer?

Though it’s categorized under international cuisine on many local guides, Slice Downtown focuses primarily on:

  • New York–style pizza (large, foldable slices)
  • Calzones and stromboli
  • Standard Italian-American appetizers and sides

What nudges it into “international” territory is the global flavor influence in toppings and combinations. Many Atlanta diners find menu options that go beyond basic pepperoni and cheese, such as:

  • Pizzas with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients (feta, olives, spinach)
  • Options featuring spicier or fusion-style toppings
  • Build-your-own pies where you can recreate flavors you’ve tried abroad or in other major food cities

This makes Slice Downtown a practical choice if your group wants something familiar (pizza) but is still open to international-style variations.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like to Eat at Slice Downtown

Slice Downtown is set up for people who want something casual and quick, but not strictly “fast food.”

Typical vibe

  • Casual, energetic environment with a steady flow of office workers, students, and visitors
  • People stopping in for single slices, entire pies, or a post-event meal
  • A layout that usually supports both dine-in and takeout, depending on how busy it is

If you’re in Atlanta for a conference or game, it can feel like an extension of the city’s energy—jerseys on game days, badges and lanyards during big conventions, and a mix of accents from around the world.

Menu Breakdown: What You’ll Commonly Find

Menu details can change over time, but here’s what people in Atlanta typically expect at Slice Downtown.

1. By-the-Slice Pizza

One of the biggest draws is being able to grab individual slices, which works well if:

  • You’re on a quick lunch break
  • You want to try different toppings without committing to a full pie
  • Your group can’t agree on one pizza

Common options often include:

  • Cheese
  • Pepperoni
  • A meat-heavy slice
  • A vegetable-focused slice
  • One or more specialty slices with unique flavor combos

2. Whole Pies

If you’re feeding a small group or planning to take leftovers home:

  • Large New York–style pies are a standard choice
  • Specialty pizzas may feature more international or gourmet-style toppings
  • Build-your-own pizzas usually let you customize sauces, cheeses, meats, and vegetables

This works well for:

  • Office lunches in Downtown towers
  • Study sessions for GSU students
  • Pre-event group meetups before heading to a venue

3. Sides and Extras

Many Atlanta diners use Slice Downtown as a one-stop meal by adding:

  • Garlic knots or breadsticks
  • Salads for something lighter or shareable
  • Soft drinks and other standard beverages

Offerings can vary, so checking the menu before you go is helpful if you’re trying to balance comfort food with something lighter.

Price Range and What to Expect to Spend

Slice Downtown is typically viewed as mid-range casual:

  • Single slices: budget-friendly for lunch or a snack
  • Whole pies: comparable to other sit-down or takeout pizzerias in central Atlanta

Costs can feel higher than neighborhood spots further from the core because you’re paying Downtown prices in a very central location. If you’re feeding a group, ordering a whole pie instead of multiple slices can sometimes stretch your budget further.

When Slice Downtown Works Best

Because of its location and style, Slice Downtown fits certain situations especially well.

👍 Good fits

  • Quick lunch near the office or campus
  • Casual pre-game or post-concert meal
  • Easy option for out-of-town visitors staying Downtown
  • Mixed groups where some want simple pizza, others prefer more creative or international-flavored options

👎 May not be ideal if

  • You’re looking for a quiet, upscale international dining experience
  • You need a very specific international cuisine (such as Ethiopian, Korean, or regional Mexican), which you’ll find more robustly represented in neighborhoods like Buford Highway, Doraville, or along Cheshire Bridge Road
  • You want extended table service with a long, multi-course menu

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

Use the guide below to decide how and when to visit.

ScenarioWhat to Know About Slice Downtown in Atlanta
Weekday lunchExpect office and student crowds; going a bit early or late can help.
Game or concert nightsHeavier foot traffic; good for groups looking for fast, filling food.
Visiting from out of townEasy, walkable option from many Downtown hotels and MARTA stops.
Family with kidsKid-friendly menu; casual noise level is forgiving.
Budget-conscious dinerGo for slices instead of full specialty pies to control costs.
Group meetupsConsider calling ahead to check timing and volume for large orders.

Getting There Without a Car

If you’re relying on public transit, Downtown Atlanta is one of the more accessible areas in the city.

  • MARTA Rail:
    • Peachtree Center Station and Five Points Station are both within walking distance for many Downtown destinations.
  • Walking:
    • Sidewalks and crosswalks are generally well-established around business towers, hotels, and attractions.
  • Rideshare or taxi:
    • Commonly used after large events at State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium; expect more traffic and slightly longer wait times during those windows.

If you live in nearby neighborhoods such as Old Fourth Ward, Castleberry Hill, or Midtown, pairing MARTA or a short ride with a walk can be more convenient than parking.

How Slice Downtown Compares Within Atlanta’s International Cuisine Scene

Atlanta’s international cuisine ranges from:

  • Global street food at markets and food halls
  • Long-standing neighborhood restaurants representing a single country or region
  • Fusion and chef-driven concepts that blend multiple traditions

In that wider context, Slice Downtown serves a specific role:

  • It’s not a deep dive into one country’s cuisine, but rather a New York–style pizzeria with some internationally influenced toppings and flavors.
  • It works well if you want recognizable food that still reflects Atlanta’s broader, globally influenced palate.

If you’re exploring Atlanta’s international food scene, Slice Downtown can be:

  • A practical, central stop during a day of sightseeing
  • A transition point if your group includes people who prefer familiar pizza while others sample more adventurous options elsewhere during the trip

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

A few Atlanta-specific pointers:

  • Check event schedules for State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium if you’re sensitive to crowds; big events can significantly change wait times.
  • 🧑‍💻 Office workers and students: Consider slightly off-peak hours (before noon or after 1:30 p.m.) to avoid the heaviest rush.
  • 🧾 Large group or office order: Calling ahead to discuss timing can help your order come out more smoothly during busy periods.
  • 🚶 Pair it with local sightseeing: Centennial Olympic Park, the CNN Center area, and the Georgia Aquarium are all commonly combined with a Downtown meal stop like Slice.

For anyone living in Atlanta, commuting into the city, or visiting for a few days, Slice Downtown offers a straightforward, centrally located option that blends classic New York–style pizza with some international flavor influences—fitting neatly into the rhythm of daily Downtown life.